How does the GOP get excited at a meeting about the debt debate? They watch a scene from Ben Affleck's "The Town," according to The Washington Post.

Why are a bunch of Republicans watching a movie about Boston bank robbers, you may wonder? The actual context of the film (and of the particular clip shown) seems to have mattered little to House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, who showed a scene in an attempt to forge a sense of unity among the independent-minded caucus.

McCarthy showed the scene where Doug (Affleck) asks Jem (Jeremy Renner) for his no-questions-asked help (in roughing a few guys up, but never mind). "I need your help," says Affleck. "I can’t tell you what it is. You can never ask me about it later." "Whose car are we gonna take?" replies the ever-loyal Jem.

The clip inspired at least Rep. Allen West, who stood up and said, "I'm ready to drive the car."

Affleck, a prominent Democrat, is a bit taken aback by all this, according to E! Online. "I don't know if this is a compliment or the ultimate repudiation," he said.

Affleck pokes at the GOP a little more with an alternate viewing suggestion. "If they're going to be watching movies, I think 'The Company Men' is more appropriate," he suggests, referring to the recent drama in which he plays a corporate employee who's let go during a round of bottom-line-serving layoffs during the recession.

Heh heh... ah, beware the Hollywood celebrity in matters of political debate.